But you haven't answered my question.

What are you doing here on a summer afternoon staring into a wigmaker's window ?" "I am Barnard's locum; he is in practice in Fetter Lane." "I know," said Thorndyke; "we meet him occasionally, and very pale and peaky he has been looking of late.

Is he taking a holiday ?" "Yes.

He has gone for a trip to the Isles of Greece in a currant ship." "Then," said Jervis, "you are actually a local G.P.I thought you were looking beastly respectable." "And, judging from your leisured manner when we encountered you," added Thorndyke, "the practice is not a strenuous one.

I suppose it is entirely local ?" "Yes," I replied.